Day 11 – When things Get Real, Stand Firm and Keep Praying

Read Daniel 6: 1 – 13

Chapter 6 of Daniel transitions to a new period in the life of Daniel who is now in his mid-eighties. He has outlived the Babylonians and is now serving good king Darius in the Medo-Persian kingdom established in 538 B.C. Due to his honesty and integrity and wisdom, Darius has placed Daniel in a high position in the hierarchy that he has put in place to manage the kingdom. Daniel’s integrity complicates the lives of the corrupt princes that serve along-side him and they devise a plan to scrutinize Daniel’s public record and find an indictable offense.

When his enemies discover they can find no flaws in Daniel, they develop a plan that will get him killed. They lie to the king when they say all governmental leaders are in agreement and they falsely flatter the king to get him to accede to their plan. They decide to attack Daniel in the one area that they know he will never compromise – his devotion to God. The Medo-Persian culture believed that their king was infallible so they had no provision for rescinding or changing an order issued by the king. Daniel’s enemies were counting on the fact that Daniel would be faithful to his God and remain consistent in his prayer life.

Daniel prayed on his knees three times every day, and God blessed him abundantly. Regardless of Daniel’s high position, he remained humble and got down on his knees before his God. Regardless of Daniel’s busy schedule, he set aside three periods each day when he would devote his time to God in prayer. Regardless of his age, Daniel stayed consistent in prayer. Regardless of the consequences, Daniel never wavered in his devotion to public prayer and praise. Daniel’s commitment to prayer was a testimony to the king and fellow rulers and to those of us who read his story today.

Q1. Daniel held positions of significant political importance throughout his long life. What does Daniel 6: 4 say about his character and his performance?

Q2. Throughout Scripture we are commanded to pray. Check the following verses and record what they have to say about prayer. (Matthew 6: 5 – 13; Luke 6: 28; I Thessalonians 5: 17; James 5: 16).

Q3. Do you believe you are growing into the kind of godly consistency that Daniel modeled throughout his life? Would a ride on a roller coaster be a way to describe your Christian walk? What specific actions could you undertake to be more consistent in your walk with the Lord?

Final thought: In Acts chapter 5 we read of an incident where the Apostles are brought before the Jewish leadership and commanded not to preach the gospel. Perhaps they were thinking of the example of Daniel when they replied in Acts 5: 29 “We must obey God rather than man.” It is important for us to pray every day for courage and strength and wisdom so we can “Dare to be like Daniel.”